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| THEATRE MUSEUM | ||||
| Of Repertoire Americana | ||||
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Open Daily - Memorial Day to Labor Day - Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Other times by appointment Adults $5.00 per person Kids 10 and under free with adult Group Tours and Rates are available. To set up a Group Tour please call 319-385-8937 Visit the new Theatre Museum web site: www.thetheatremuseum.com |
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The Show Goes On... In a time almost forgotten, troupes of performers criss-crossed rural America presenting repertoire theatre. From the 1850's to the 1950's, five generations reveled in the clean fun and sociable respite offered by these traveling companies. These versatile "troupes" entertained audiences with comedy, farce, Broadway hits, adapted classics and suspenseful mysteries in settings that ranged from small-town opera houses to empty-lot tent theatres. Years ago Neil & Caroline Schaffner started collecting memorabilia from this era of theatrical history. It was from this "seed" collection and the generosity of the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association, Inc., that this remarkable museum was created in 1973 at the crossroads of the Midwest , in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Since then , hundreds of troupers and their families have donated artifacts to make this amazing theatrical collection one of the largest of its kind in the United States. |
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Step Across the Footlights into Our Theatrical Heritage The Theatre Museum houses a most unique collection of memorabilia from early American popular entertainment. Priceless stage drops, quaint artifacts, a massive computer catalogued library, scripts and music scores dating from 1850's are arrayed for the curious visitor and the dedicated scholar. The photographs, show heralds, playbills, scrapbooks, newspapers, costumes and scenery are from touring companies that played in hundreds of American opera houses, town halls and tent theatres. The collection also includes items from Chautauqua, showboats and minstrel shows. |
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National Society for the Preservation of Tent, Folk and Repertoire Theatre The National Society was founded to help administer and maintain the Museum. It's purpose is to preserve and perpetuate for educational and historical insight, the heritage, the memorabilia and the culture of tent folk and repertoire theatre and to provide a place for literary endeavors and scholarly research. Memberships to the National Society are $15 for a student, $20 for a single, $30 for a family, $50 for a Actor's Circle, $150 for a Directors Circle, $500 for a Angel, $1000 for Gabriel Himself, all memberships are per year. Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. |
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| Theatre History Seminar | ||||
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Each April, a reflective weekend seminar at the Museum draws attendees from across the
country. It features theatre historians, former troupers, intriguing research and lively
discussion. Participating in the joy of bygone era makes this seminar different from any
other theatre history program.
Mark Your Calendars and Plan To Attend |
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| Summer Theatre Plays | ||||
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"Toby the High-Pot-Nist" July 23-25 & 30-31, 2010 and again during the 2010 Reunion Mt. Pleasant, Iowa Each summer the traveling tent shows come to life on stage at the Theatre Museum. This year's visitors will have the chance to see a Neil and Caroline Schaffners play: "Toby the High-Pot-Nist." The play will be performed July 23-25 & 30-31 and again during the 2010 Reunion Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $4 for kids 11 and under. The play will be performed again during the Old Threshers Reunion. Call 319-385-8937 or 319-385-9432 for more information. |
